95 Road King Handling Issues
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 30
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From: Northern Michigan
95 Road King Handling Issues
Ok guys... Need some input on this. My 1995 Road King has got to be one of the squirreliest I have ever owned! Seems like the slightest gust of wind and that baby feels like your going in to the Harley death wobble! I have replaced all motor mounts (front was bad, did the swingarms for good measure), Meticulously went through vertical alignment ( it was out by a 1/4"), checked axle/belt alignment, checked fall away (neck bearings), Also replaced rubber this spring. etc. It did improve with the vertical alignment, but still very touchy. Man, I have had a number of Harley touring bikes, and non have been this twitchy feeling. Its hard to hold your place on the road.... small movement in your body or like I said wind hitting you and shes on the move. Feels like your constatly fighting to hold your track on the road. If its calm (no wind) no issue, holds her place just fine.. It seems over responsive. I do know my rear shocks are shot, they are very hard/stiff. I have new 412 progessives on the way... Any thing I missed??? Thoughts???
Thanks in advance....
Thanks in advance....
Last edited by GuyG; Jun 30, 2025 at 10:27 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 166
Had a buddy that forkseals had blown out and was a lot less oil in forks and it was a squirrely ride. Not saying its so but worth a thought???
after i did his forkseals and set the oil level was a different machine.
just my 2 cents for possibilities.
after i did his forkseals and set the oil level was a different machine.
just my 2 cents for possibilities.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 30
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From: Northern Michigan
Just a note, Ive had a few Electraglides and never an issue. I picked this RK up this past winter. That said, my EG's were all newer bikes.
Last edited by GuyG; Jul 1, 2025 at 01:40 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
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From: Phoenix
When you did the swing arm rubber mounts did you check the Cleve blocks in the swingarm?
I'd also adjust or if needed replace the neck bearings.
Also what tires are you using. I've found the Commander II front tires to make a bike twitchy. Almost like over boosted power steering.
I'd also adjust or if needed replace the neck bearings.
Also what tires are you using. I've found the Commander II front tires to make a bike twitchy. Almost like over boosted power steering.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 30
Likes: 20
From: Northern Michigan
When you did the swing arm rubber mounts did you check the Cleve blocks in the swingarm?
I'd also adjust or if needed replace the neck bearings.
Also what tires are you using. I've found the Commander II front tires to make a bike twitchy. Almost like over boosted power steering.
I'd also adjust or if needed replace the neck bearings.
Also what tires are you using. I've found the Commander II front tires to make a bike twitchy. Almost like over boosted power steering.
Neck bearings checked good. Should mention there's was only 25000 miles on this bike. (more now)
I put the old tried and true Dunlops on. Ive had good luck with them on past bikes so figured it was a good choice here as well.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
I pulled the swingarm and checked everything... All good.
Neck bearings checked good. Should mention there's was only 25000 miles on this bike. (more now)
I put the old tried and true Dunlops on. Ive had good luck with them on past bikes so figured it was a good choice here as well.
Neck bearings checked good. Should mention there's was only 25000 miles on this bike. (more now)
I put the old tried and true Dunlops on. Ive had good luck with them on past bikes so figured it was a good choice here as well.
About the forks, did you change oil and put 12-14 psi in them?
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
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From: Northern Michigan
I did not change or adjust the oil. I have played with air pressure though. Didnt seem to do much. Front feels almost to soft compared to my other bikes.
Last edited by GuyG; Jul 1, 2025 at 02:10 PM.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
Were there lowering blocks on the rear? They are extensions at the bottom shock. Shocks should bolt direct to the swingarm.
If it has them, half a chance it has shorter front springs to lower everything.
If it has them, half a chance it has shorter front springs to lower everything.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 30
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From: Northern Michigan
Air you suggested in the forks did help. Im going to change the fork oil next.
Thank you...